What Are The Side Effects Of Long Term Use Of Folitrax Injection?

Posted on Thu, 4 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 4 Jun 2015 Answered on

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : folitrax 20mg injection with methylprednisolone 16 mg tab 20 minutes before the injection every week is being given to to my wife 49 yrs age for last 2 months to treat rheumatoid arthritis. pl tell about any side effects of above. bpg

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Side effects of medicine

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank you for writing on health care magic

Well, folitrax is a relatively safe drug when used. On consumption the only side effects are nausea and uneasiness but if well tolerated it is quite good to go. But you need to regularly monitor complete blood counts and liver function tests as it can cause transient elevation of liver function tests and at times low blood counts. Monitoring Once every 3 months should suffice.

As for Methylprednisolone, We normally dont use it regularly as the patient gets dependent on it even if it s once a week dosing. It can cause weight gain, rise in blood sugar and blood pressure. If she is tolerating Folitrax well, you can discuss with your doctor and could down on the methyprednisolone.

I hope the information was useful

Do let me know for more queries

Would be happy to help out

Regards
Dr Naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar